Alisa Brownlee, ATP, CAPS blog offers recent articles and web information on ALS, assistive technology--augmentative alternative communication (AAC), computer access, and other electronic devices that can impact and improve the quality of life for people with ALS.
Email--abrownlee@alsa-national.org.
Any views or opinions presented on this blog are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the ALS Association.

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Tuesday, February 18, 2014

Now a device to restore communication for brain-injured people

Here comes a fascinating device that allows people suffering with paralysis to control computers or a prosthetic arm using their thoughts alone. Researchers at SpeakYourMind Foundation, a nonprofit organisation in the US, with help from BrainGate lab at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, has developed this low-cost brain-computer interface to brain-injured patients.‘We have also developed a prototype eye-tracking tool called ‘SYMeyes’ – consisting of a webcam – that allows brain stem stroke patients to answer yes or no questions by moving their eyes,’ informed Dan Bacher, founder and executive director of the Speak YourMind Foundation, in a press release.The eye-tracker system costs about $30. Comparable systems in the market cost about $10,000 to $15,000, Bacher said. Bacher has also developed a system that allowed people to spell words by controlling a computer cursor on a virtual keyboard – using signals from the BrainGate implant. (Read: Oxygen therapy can reverse brain damage even years after stroke!)The virtual keyboard also suggests word completions to speed up typing. Bacher, with a team of volunteers and students, develops low-cost, personalised eye-tracking and head-tracking technologies – using basic components available at most electronics stores, a laptop and custom software.(Read: High levels of oxygen in a pressurised atmosphere can treat brain damage – Israeli researchers)‘We are helping restore communication to people who lack the ability due to stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), brain injury or other problems,’ Bacher was quoted as saying.